Blog Archives - Sender One Climbing
America Recycles: All Month Long

America Recycles: All Month Long

by | Oct 5, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

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It’s November 15th, and it’s not just your average Monday because it’s time to celebrate America Recycles Day! But this year Sender One isn’t just celebrating for the day, we are celebrating all month long. 

What is America Recycles Day?

It's a national holiday dedicated to promoting recycling. The E.P.A (Environmental Protection Agency) promotes this holiday due to the many benefits of recycling:

  • Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators
  • Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals
  • Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials
  • Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials
  • Saves energy
  • Supports American manufacturing and conserves valuable resources
  • Helps create new well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States

For our month-long celebration, we're providing ways to play our part in this national holiday and global cause. 

1. Remember to Recycle

At all Sender One locations you’ll find recycling bins available throughout the gym. To strengthen our recycling knowledge, we’ve added info posters on the bins for quick reference on what you can recycle to help reduce waste!

While you're climbing at the gym, you may come across the perfect opportunity to add one of these to the recycle bin:

  • Yerba Mate, Health-Ade, and Voss Water Glass Bottles
  • Proud Source Water, Redbull, & Starbucks Nitro Brew Aluminum Cans
  • Muscle Milk, Gatorade, & Tropicana Juice Plastic Bottles
  • SendBlend & CRUXGRIP Liquid Chalk Plastic Containers (Rinse First!)

 

2. Participate in Upcycling

At all Sender One Climbing gyms we are collecting retired ropes for an upcycling project that will support fundraising for the Animal Wellness Foundation. If you aren’t sure where the collection bin is at your gym, ask a staff member!

The retired ropes that you donate will be cleaned, cut, and turned into dog leashes so they can be reused by our furry companions! If you’re interested in helping us assemble these leashes, stay tuned for volunteer sign ups in our newsletter later this month.

The finished leashes will be sold at the  all Sender One Climbing gyms  and 100% net proceeds donated to the Animal Wellness Foundation. The Animal Wellness Foundation is a large advocate for the animal wellness movement and supports the cause in the following ways: 

  • Raising funds for companion animals of low-income families and for the housing and rehabilitation of homeless animals. 
  • Rescuing & fostering animals found in situations of abuse, neglect or abandonment, as well as in city and county shelters. 
  • Funding spay, neuter, and vaccination programs so every animal in their care receives the medical treatment they need.
  • Supporting animal protection policies at the federal level, getting veterinary experts to the frontline of the animal protection movement.
Build New Habits

Take a few minutes of your day to reflect on your current recycling habits - you may already be recycling in more ways than you think!

Consider if there’s an opportunity to introduce one or more new ways to recycle this month to build a habit of it year-round. 

If you need some inspiration on ways to introduce more recycling habits into your day to day, check out these accessible options: 

  • Bring a reusable bag to the grocery store
  • Buy rechargeable batteries
  • Print paper double-sided or reuse misprinted papers to make notepads
  • Bring a reusable mug to your coffee shop
  • Flatten cardboard boxes so that you can fit more into your bin.
  • Most metallic items can be recycled, such as empty spray cans and tin foil, plus empty soda, fruit, vegetable and other food cans.
  • Stop by your local recycling center and drop off anything that was not picked up by your curbside service.
  • To help your recycling center keep down foul odors, wash food waste off of food containers before recycling. 
  • Bring your own food to the office in a reusable container to reduce packaging waste.
  • Save office supplies by keeping your markers, pens and glue sticks in a clean dry space as heat makes them dry out.
  • Reuse office supplies: use newspapers to wrap things for the mail instead of bubble wrap or use paper clips instead of staples.
  • Use email for most memos and office communications.
  • Convert old sheets, towels and clothing into wash rags
  • Repurpose glass jars as storage containers
  • Buy second hand furniture

References

EPA America Recycles | Animal Wellness Foundation | ReuseThisBag.com

Hispanic Heritage Month!

Hispanic Heritage Month!

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Blog, Outreach

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Written by Hailey McFelia 

 

This month we are diving into Hispanic Heritage month by taking a look at our climbing community. There are a few affinity groups who are helping “climbers of color unite!” They’re not just helping build recognition, but getting people the tools they need to get outside and climb! Lagartijas and Escalemos are two groups that you may have seen around collaborating with Sender One on events & the Send With Mi Gente Meetups! Lagartijas is a climbing crew created by "people of the global majority" (meaning people with Latin American, Indigenous, Asian, or African descent). Lagartijas created a gear library to help make essential items more accessible to their community members. Escalemos is a group that specializes in Latin representation in climbing and outdoor spaces. They do this by guiding outside at local crags. Which is another useful tool for building up these affinity groups as well as their goal for Hispanic representation in the climbing community.

I sat down with Andrea from Lagartijas to chat with her about her experience leading with Lagartijas:

Can you share with us a meaningful story that came about from a Lagartijas event or meetup?

"It's really hard to pinpoint one exact moment.  We just had our three year anniversary and had a huge party.  I won’t lie, I was a little worried about turnout because it was a holiday weekend and a few friends had already told me they weren't going to be able to make it.  In the end, we had over 150 people show up to celebrate. It was so amazing to hear the stories of people's first meetups and the friendships that they made. I think I cried a few times that night.  It feels so amazing that I've been part of this organization that has brought so many people together."

What is your dream goal or event for Lagartijas?

"I would love to have a BIPOC centered climbing Festival in California. We have so many world-class crags and it would be amazing to bring more people that look like you and I to these corners of California."

Are orange pants the best pant color? 

"If you don't own orange pants you are absolutely missing out! I think I currently have at least three pairs."

*If you haven’t had the pleasure of climbing with Andrea you may not know this, but girl always be wearing orange pants.

Do you have a call to action for the climbing community or local climbing gyms?

"To me it's all about accessibility.  I've seen some gyms have amazing policies and it makes me wonder why others can't do the same. For example, my new home gym here in San Luis Obispo offers free day passes for anyone with a tribal card as well as discounted memberships for anyone who is part of the local affinity groups."

I am someone who is VERY white passing and I’m always nervous to join groups like Lagartijas based on the way I look despite the fact I am Mexican. I know that other people in my situation also feel this way, but what is your take on this topic?

"I'm not here to tell people what they are and what they aren't.  To me Lagartijas is all about creating a safe space for people and having a community where you can be yourself."

How can climbing gyms do better to support Lagartijas and other affinity groups?

"Offering affinity group specific clinics and classes at a discounted rate will definitely help various groups achieve their mission of getting people to climb outside safely. Additionally, seeing ourselves represented amongst the staff helps foster a more welcoming environment."

It’s Hispanic Heritage month, what would you like to see from the climbing community during this month?

"It's not only about this month, but what the climbing community can do for others all the time. All Too often people are comfortable being silent.  Being an ally isn't just about re-sharing Instagram stories and posting links to a GoFundMe. Speak up for your peers in person,  and apply this to outside the climbing world as well."

Here’s to celebrating Hispanic Heritage month and those out there working hard to see themselves and others like them represented within the climbing community. Your time and hard work is appreciated! Thank you for bringing people together and encouraging others to “climb as they are”.

How to Clean your Climbing Rope

by | Sep 18, 2024 | Blog

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Words & Photos by Melody Yuan

I’ve had my trusted rope for two years. It’s dynamic, durable and my life depends on it.

It only seems right then, to make sure the rope’s well taken care of. While I’ve taken precaution to keep my rope on the tarp and not step on it when climbing outdoors, rinse it every few months, use a proper rope bag, and make sure it stays flaked when it’s not in use, I really only washed it for the first time two weeks ago.

My rope has journeyed up many routes and picked up dirt across different crags. My climbing friends can attest that I probably had the dirtiest rope among our regular climbing group. I used to pride myself on the fact that my rope was well used, but after belaying one day and noticing that my hands were black as night after only one climb, I decided it was time to wash it.

But how?

After talking to a few fellow climbers, reading threads and making a trip to REI, I was equipped and ready to take on the challenge.

What you need:

Tub, bucket or a sink that you don’t mind getting dirty

Rope soap / wash (Editor's note: Recommended. Other detergents are potentially damaging to ropes.)

Warm water

Gloves (optional)

While cleaning the rope using just warm water may be a good enough solution, I decided to use the Edelweiss Rope Wash because my rope was too dirty for just water to clean. I have also heard of climbers throwing their rope into the washing machine*, but I would encourage washing the rope by hand. Who wants all that rope dirt in the washer where your clothes go anyway?

Step 1:

I used the bathtub at home and placed my filthy rope inside. Then, I filled the tub half way with lukewarm water. Editor's note: Washing your rope may stain your bathtub! Wash at your discretion.

Step 2:

Let the water soak. I left the rope in the tub for about 5 minutes. During this time, I cleaned the inside of my rope bag.

Step 3:

Swish it around. I pulled and squeezed the rope to make sure all the sediments were coming off, and that every inch of the rope had been in the water.

Step 4:

Add rope wash. If you’re intending to use a wash, a small amount will usually suffice in getting the grittier dirt out.

Step 5:

Scrub and Swish. Pull the entire length of your rope through your hands and scrub with your fingers.

Step 6:

Drain the water, rinse the rope and then refill the tub with clean water to rinse and/or scrub the rope again. I drained and refilled the tub four times before the water started getting clear again.

Step 7:

Dry thoroughly. Flake the rope out of the tub and lay it across a water-friendly area like a towel, balcony or shower-curtain rod. In my case, I laid it across the bike rack in my garage and away from direct sunlight.

Once it’s completely dry and looking brand new again, flake the rope one more time to make sure the rope is clean, tie the ends, and put it back into your rope bag. And voila! Guaranteed that the next time you go climbing, you’ll feel great pulling out some clean rope to set up on a new route.

To ensure that your rope stays in its optimum conditions, I would suggest doing the following:

  •         Store your rope in a dry place, away from heat and direct sunlight. Exposing the rope to too much direct sun can damage the fibers and fade the colors. This includes keeping the rope in your car on a hot day.
  •         Make sure that your rope is on a tarp or something similar when you climb outdoors, since dirt and sediment can easily get onto your rope. Also, you don’t want anyone to accidentally step onto your rope.
  •         Inspect your rope as you flake it to make sure there aren’t any fuzzy areas, cuts, flat spots or weird misshapes in your rope. It’s normal for a rope to get weaker over time, especially in the event that you’ve taken a huge fall or have owned the rope for more than a year, so this inspection is important**.

* Please research and wash your rope in a washing machine at your own discretion.

**This post is a general guide to maintaining your rope. If you are uncertain about the integrity of a rope, have it inspected by a professional. Sender One is not responsible for any rope failures via use of this guide.

Women’s History Month: Read All About It

Women’s History Month: Read All About It

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Blog

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Follow along all month long as we share topics in celebration of Women's History Month!

Just as beautiful on the inside as on the outside and twice as strong; the stories told by and about the heroine women in this following list of must-read books, really pack a punch! These powerful women have overcome tremendous obstacles, fought for equality on different fronts, and now their stories show us how we can rise up to achieve our own goals, just as they’ve achieved theirs. This week for Women's History Month, we're recommending a reading list for anyone who wants to gain a different or new perspective from a variety of influential women. 

EMPOWERING MUST-READS

Becoming

Michelle Obama

“She is taking the country by the hand on an intimate tour of everyday African-American life and ambition while recounting her rise from modest origins to the closest this country has to nobility. She’s meditating on the tensions women face in a world that speaks of gender equality but in which women still bear the greater burdens of balancing career and family” -- Isabel Wilkerson, The New York Times

Girl, Stop Apologizing

Rachel Hollis

“It’s time to truly embrace your greatness, and there is no better rally cry than “Girl, Stop Apologizing.” Unapologetic herself, Rachel is the fearless girlfriend you need to help you leap into the bold unknown and fulfill that big audacious goal you have been waiting to achieve.” -- Amy Porterfield, Online Marketing Expert

Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More

Janet Mock

"I aspire to be as unflinchingly brave! Janet Mock's story simultaneously embodies, complicates, and subverts the concept of American exceptionalism and self-creation." -- Laverne Cox, actress, advocate, and star of Orange Is the New Black

The Radium Girls

Kate Moore

"Radium Girls is frighteningly easy to set in a wider context. The story of real women at the mercy of businesses who see them only as a potential risk to the bottom line is haunting precisely because of how little has changed; the glowing ghosts of the radium girls haunt us still." -- Genevieve Valentine, NPR

Unbowed

Wangari Maathai

“Wangari Maathai is the rare leader who knows how to create independence, not dependence. On the page as in person, her example makes each of us a little stronger, wiser, and braver than we ever thought we could be.” -- Gloria Steinem

We Should All Be Feminists

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

“An enchanting plea by the award-winning Nigerian novelist to channel anger about gender inequality into positive change. Employing personal experience in her examination of ‘the specific and particular problem of gender,’…Adichie makes her arguments quietly but skillfully. A moving essay that should find its way into the hands of all students and teachers to provoke new conversation and awareness." -- Kirkus Reviews

CHILDREN'S BOOKS

Malala's Magic Pencil

Malala Yousafzai

"This is a wonderful read for younger students that will also provide insight and encourage discussion about the wider world. ... The simplicity of Yousafzai's writing and the powerful message she sends, make this book inspirational for all." -- School Library Journal

March Forward, Girl

Melba Beals

“Beals writes openly about her feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, though her courage and resolve are just as evident. It’s a no-holds-barred reflection of the physical and psychological toll that prejudice, discrimination, and hate take on a young life” -- Publishers Weekly

She Persisted

Chelsea Clinton

“Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women’s voices have made themselves emphatically heard.” -- Booklist

SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE!

For Women's History Month, Sender One is donating 25% of net proceeds from the Sender One online store to The Loveland Foundation. This foundation is committed to "showing up for communities of color in unique and powerful ways, with a particular focus on Black women and girls. [Their] resources and initiatives are collaborative and they prioritize opportunity, access, validation, and healing."

Shop Sender One & Support
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Bouldering League: Everything You Need to Know

Bouldering League: Everything You Need to Know

by | Sep 10, 2024 | Blog

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Bouldering League season is here and we have everything you need to get started! If it's your first time participating you should know that bouldering league is not just any community event - it's where teams climb together to score based on progress, not just prowess.

Whether you are brand new to climbing or have years of experience, you have an equal chance to win the ultimate title of Bouldering League Champion! The best part is, participants receive perks including:

  • a Bouldering League shirt or tank
  • entry in a raffle on finals night for a chance to win sweet swag
  • to participate in 4 weeks of Bouldering League!
  • to compete to win the title of Bouldering League champion and a coveted Bouldering League trophy!

To sign-up for Bouldering League or review more FAQs, check out our Bouldering League page.

If you are brand new to climbing, you can also check out our "Climbing 101: The Essentials" blog that will introduce bouldering grades, how to complete a route, climbing techniques, and more!

Setting a Handicap

In Bouldering League you compete against yourself to earn points. This is done by completing more difficult routes than you may normally as you progress over the 4-week Bouldering League period.

This is tracked by setting a handicap, which is the highest grade you can climb consistently. The more routes you complete at or above your handicap grade, the more points you earn for your team!

When you sign-up for bouldering league you will need to set your handicap. To estimate what you should set for your handicap, you can use the average* grade of the top 5 grades climbed during your last session or two.

If a handicap is set too low, Sender One may manually adjust it during Bouldering League to reflect a climber's true level. Here are some examples of setting a handicap:

*You can calculate the average by adding up the 5 grades, then dividing by 5.

Beginner Benny

Benny is newer to bouldering and climbs anywhere from a v0 to a v3, depending if he has time to project the route. Here are the top 5 grades he completed in his last session:

v1, v1, v1, v2, v2v1, v1, v2, v2, v3

At first glance, we can see Benny can consistently climb v2s. His average grade is between a 1 and a 2, and he should choose one of those grades for his handicap. Let's assume Benny is able to flash v1s, and most of his v2s.

In this case, Benny should select 2 as his handicap.

Experienced Elizabeth

Elizabeth has been bouldering for over 3 years, and climbs anywhere from a v0 to a v7 depending if she has time to project the route. Here are the top 5 grades she completed in her last session:

v3, v4, v4, v5, v6v3, v4, v4, v5, v7

At first glance, we can see Elizabeth can consistently climb v4s and some v5s. Her average grade is betwee a 4 and a 5, and she should choose one of those grades for her handicap.

If Elizabeth completed the v5s after projecting during multiple sessions, she should probably set her handicap at 4. If Elizabeth completed the v5s after just a few attempts, she should probably set her handicap at a 5.

Scoring

Climbing for a Score

You will submit your scores once a week on the first day that you attempt the Bouldering League routes. Since you only get to earn points on the first day you climb the routes, be sure to leave it all on the wall that day!

You are welcome to come back and climb the Bouldering League routes again, they just won't count towards your score.

Earn points based on Handicap

While you can earn some points for completing routes below your handicap, most of your points are earned by completing routes at or above your handicap grade. Try to focus your energy on some of the more difficult routes since that's where you will score big time!

Flashing

Flashing means that you completed a route on your first attempt. Flashing a route will help you earn extra points!

Weighting

Bouldering League is all about rewarding progress. To reward progress, scores are weighted each week. This means that your score in Week 4 will count more towards your overall score than your score in Week 1. Here's an example of how weighting works (numbers may not be exact to what is used in scoring):

Week 1: score x 1

Week 2: score x 1.5

Week 3: score x 2

Week 4: score x 2.5

Individual Scores

Each week you will complete as many routes as you can in one session, and submit all of them for a score. However, only the top 5 scores earned will be used to calculate your total score of that week. Since you won't know which route will earn more points, be sure to submit them all!

If you aren't able to complete 5 routes that's okay. You may miss out on a few points but you can make up the points next week!

Team Scores

In your team of 4, only the 3 top scores each week are used for your total score. This is helpful if a teammate is unable to participate that week, or if someone is just having  a high-gravity week!

What to expect

When to Climb

You can climb for your score any day of the week, from setting day (varies by location) until Sunday @ closing. Just remember to submit your scores on the first day you climb.

While it's not required, we encourage everyone to climb as a team to meet new friends and cheer each other on!

Bouldering League Tags

Bouldering League tags look different than what you normally see in the gym. They have a design of a trophy, and are numbered usually from 1-22 (may vary by location). When you come in to climb for Bouldering League, you can climb any (or all) of these routes to try and earn points.

Since these tags only have the route number, the grade of each route in Bouldering League is a mystery - so try as many routes as you can and spend extra time on routes that seem within your range!

Comradery 

One of the best things you can expect from Bouldering League is the comradery between every climber. While it's a competition, the climbing community never ceases to support and encourage one another. If you find yourself struggling near the top of a climb and suddenly hear some clapping and yelling, you can bet it's everyone below cheering you on to make that final move!

Scorecards

Paper scorecards will be available at the front desk to pick up on your way in. When you complete a Bouldering League route (indicated by the special tag), you will write down the number of the route you completed, if you flashed it, and get a witness to sign-off. Here's an example:

Route Number CompletedFlashed?Witness
#8YesWitness Signature

Submitting Your Score

On your paper scorecard you'll find a QR code. Each week you'll scan this QR code to submit your scores when you're done climbing!

Tracking Your Score

At the end of each week scores will be posted via Facebook on our Sender One Bouldering League page. Scores will also be shared via Instagram on the account where your Bouldering League is being hosted. Follow your Sender One location to get updates: @senderone_playavista, @senderone_lax, @senderone_sna.

Sign-up for Bouldering League!
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National Yoga Month At Sender One

National Yoga Month At Sender One

by | Sep 6, 2024 | Blog

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Written by Anneka Peterson

Relax, Breath, Stretch and Climbing On!

September has officially started, which means it's the start of yoga month! That being said, many climbers know the benefits of how impactful yoga can be for building climbing strength and technique. According to climbing magazine “‘That ability to feel your body and know your body, and have that core strength that you're going to gain through yoga—it'll directly translate to your ability to stay calm on the rock because you'll have a lot more confidence.’” Personally, I have not had much experience with yoga, I am truly a total noob, but I have heard countless stories and seen the technical growth just through working at climbing gyms and talking to the community. 

To celebrate Yoga month Sender one is hosting a month long event to help y’all get stronger! Here is how it works 

What:  September Yoga Challenge

Where:  All Sender One Gyms that offer yoga (may change to add Playa if we can)

When:  Sept 1st to September 30th

Who:  All members and non members

Why:  Because September is National Yoga Month and challenges are always fun!  🙂

National Yoga Month

Are there prizes?

1st Place - a free month membership.  2nd place - a Manduka Mat.  3rd Place - A Sender Logo Merchandise (probably one of our coffee mugs -).

Additionally:

For every 5 classes taken, the attendee receives an extra guest pass on their account.  These guest passes will be added at the END of the challenge.   

Rules:

For each yoga/mat Pilates class a person attends at their home gym, they will get one star.  The yoga challenge is SPECIFIC to each gym.  If you are an LAX member and drive to SNA, the class will not be counted towards the yoga challenge.

Members do NOT have to sign up for this challenge, but they do have to sign up and be checked into class to receive a star.  

Sounds pretty cool, right? Honestly, I think I might start making yoga a part of my regular life, with an incentive like that, who wouldn’t haha. 

We offer yoga at 4 out of our 5 locations. Find your nearest Sender One and book your class today!

LAX | SNA | WW | LKW

 

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